Rationale

The Colors are the same as the colors of the American flag, which represents our country. Additionally, the heraldic meanings of the colors are traits that the armiger believes are important to a person’s character and ones he aims to emulate. Red meaning strength & magnanimity, blue – truth & loyalty and white/silver - peace & sincerity. The eagle has multiple meanings in these arms. It is our national symbol, the armiger was/is an Eagle Scout, and its heraldic meaning is, “Person of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness…ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious …If wings ‘displayed,’ it signifies protection.” Again, character traits the armiger believe he possesses or aspires to. The embowed dolphin is considered the kingfish in heraldry. Fish symbolize a person, “virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment,” and the dolphin (kingfish) “swiftness, diligence, salvation…” The armiger and his wife are faithful Christians, but also swimmers, ocean lovers and reside four blocks from the Atlantic coast. The anchors are further symbols of their love of the sea and watercraft, and heraldically mean, “Hope; religious steadfastness.” The crest of a Sea-Griffin is simply a combination of the two charges on the shield and of course the Griffin means, “Valor and death-defying bravery; vigilance,” traits a virtuous man should have. The motto: “Virtue is the Strongest Shield” is the culmination of everything else on the arms – moral, ethical, strong and right behavior and action are the best defense against anything.

Note

American College of Heraldry - Registration number 3758, 25 January 2015